2017 Shelby GT350 Makes ‘Track Pack’ Standard To Counter 2017 Camaro 1LE
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*Gasp!* A Ford headline on GM Authority? What is going on? Catch your breath, dear reader, because this has everything to do with the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE.
Last week, Chevrolet revealed the 2017 Camaro 1LE at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, and we discovered it’s likely going to outperform the Shelby GT350. That’s straight from the Camaro man’s mouth himself, a Mr. Al Oppenheiser.
Ford Authority reports the GT350 will now feature the MagneRide suspension, aluminum strut tower brace, transmission/differential coolers, and raised decklid spoiler as standard equipment in an effort to counter the incoming track weapon that is the 2017 Camaro 1LE.
This is significant, because the 2017 Camaro 1LE is simply a package of equipment in addition to what makes the Camaro SS superb. The Shelby GT350 is a standalone, high-performance variant from the Mustang.
Like Oppenheiser stated, everyone knew the Camaro team would punch back, but it seems the GT350 may now be scrambling to catch its breath.
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Doesn’t change the fact that, at least by C&D’s testing of each (obviously in potentially different conditions), the 2016 Camaro SS was as fast, or faster (except 0-150 and top speed) than the GT-350, and handled as good, or better (at least in the measured handling tests). So, add stickier tires and an even better suspension to the Camaro, in the form of the 1LE, and you’ll be even further ahead – mostly in the handling tests, since gearing isn’t affected.
Simple Performance Math:
1) 2016 Camaro 1SS @ $38,000 = 2016 Mustang GT350 @ $50,000
2) 2017 Camaro 1SS 1LE @ $45,000 = 2017 Mustang GT350 @ $56,000
Ok, so the sound of the GT350 engine is race car awesome, but don’t forget that the SS engine is just one step behind in sound and over $10,000 ahead.
Ford needs to focus on the GT because in the past the comparison tests were always the SS vs the GT. Forget the small sales of the 350 and put more attention towards the bigger ones of the GT.